The use of hybrid, fuel cell electric, and pure electric vehicles is on the increase as part of measures to help reduce exhaust gas emissions and to help resolve energy issues. These vehicles use regenerative-friction brake coordination technology, which requires a braking system that can accurately control the hydraulic brakes in response to small changes in regenerative braking. At the same time, the spread of collision avoidance support technology is progressing at a rapid pace along with a growing awareness of vehicle safety. This technology requires braking systems that can apply a large braking force in a short time. Although brake systems that have both accurate hydraulic control and large braking force have been developed in the past, simplification is required to promote further adoption. This paper describes the following three items: (1) an examination of the brake system functions that realize the regenerative-friction brake coordination and collision avoidance support functions, (2) considerations and a proposal for a brake system that achieves the functions described in item (1) with a simple structure, and (3) development of core technology for controlling the wheel cylinder pressure in a brake system equipped with a hydraulic regulator.
